New to the British School of Beijing Shunyi campus’ humanities department this year, Mr. Tanusankar Chakraborty is a business and management teacher and became an immediate hit with the students. I was able to sit down with him for a brief interview to find out more about the man with more than ten years of IB teaching and examining experience under his belt.
When did you first decide you wanted to be a teacher and why?
In my childhood. I liked books, I liked the gentle life of teachers, so I wanted to do my PhD in an Ivy League University and become a professor there — which I couldn’t do. I started my career as an assistant professor teaching economics, but I somehow didn’t like it. I found it to be inflexible and impersonal, and that’s why I got into high school teaching. So far, I’m enjoying it a lot.
What’s the most rewarding thing you’ve received from teaching?
I think a couple of emails, which are more valuable than any gold or diamond. Last year, one guy got into Princeton, and his father sent me an email which has become one of my prized possessions. He didn’t have any professional connection with me, but he still felt that I had done something for him, and I think that that is the most rewarding thing.
A lot of my peers say you’re a really good teacher. What do you think constitutes a good teacher?
Firstly, I am a very ordinary teacher. I feel a good teacher should inspire. It’s not about content; anyone can get content anywhere. Nowadays, we are living in a very content-heavy world. It’s just one touch away, all you need is one laptop and one internet connection, and you have the content. A good teacher is always one who inspires.
Amy is a Year 13 student at the British School of Beijing (BSB). Having grown up in The Hague in the Netherlands, she has lived in Beijing for four years and hopes to share her views on current affairs and school news through her blogs.
The beijingkids student correspondent program gives high school students with an interest in writing and journalism a resource for guidance, feedback, and real-life training. If you are a student interested in becoming a beijingkids student correspondent, or you know a student who is, please contact yvetteferrari@beijing-kids.com
